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How to Become a More Efficient Logistics and Terminal Manager

How to Become More Efficient at Your Logistics and Warehouse Management Job

As a logistics and terminal manager, semi trailer moving is just one of your many responsibilities. How do you keep operations moving smoothly and effectively in the face of business growth? Here are valuable tips for improving productivity while reducing expenses.

1. Plan Ahead

The tried-and-true 5 P’s – “Proper planning prevents poor performance” – are still words to live by. In addition to optimizing available time, resources and manpower, planning makes you better equipped to handle any unforeseen circumstances that arise.

2. Embrace Automation

Information is a crucial management tool, and technology provides more extensive and accurate data than what has ever been available before. Automation saves time and eliminates the mistakes that occur during manual data collection.

3. Make Customer Service a Priority

“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” has become a cliche because it’s true. Implement regular training classes and workshops that encourage all employees to work at their highest level.

4. Use Appropriate Warehouse Management Methods

Excellent warehouse management involves maximizing utilization of space and manpower in relation to the type of goods. Set specific procedures and goals so that employees understand the importance of their roles in smooth workplace operations.

5. Streamline Transportation

Transportation is one of the largest expenses in logistics and supply chain. Review and upgrade routing, packaging and other factors that affect delivery.

6. Analyze Metrics

The most detailed data in the world is useless on its own. Analyze data to find out what works and what doesn’t, and make appropriate changes.

The Electric Yard Dog from DJ Products

Our popular TrailerCaddy terminal tractor lets employees perform semi trailer moving up to 100,000 pounds safely and efficiently. Visit our website for real-time assistance from our helpful sales engineers.

Self-Driving Trucks – They Are Coming, Are You Ready?

As if Life Wasn’t Already Convenient Enough, Self Driving Cars are Just on the Horizon.

When it comes to moving cargo around for your business, you know how important it is to have dependable terminal tractors and employees who know how to operate them safely. Imagine what it would be like to have this equipment run on its own. This will soon be happening on the road thanks to autonomous trucking technology.

Safety Concerns

While using autonomous trucking technology is expected to make it easier for the trucking industry to handle the driver shortage problem, there are certain safety concerns that can’t be ignored. In order to address these, the Alliance for Driver Safety and Security, or Trucking Alliance, has looked into the development and availability of autonomous technology that makes self-driving trucks safer.

Some of this new technology includes electronic logging devices, speed limiters, brake stroke monitoring systems and forward collision warning. These kinds of safety technologies are expected to help reduce the risk of collisions when self-driving trucks arrive on the road.

Different Levels of Autonomous Technology

It’s important to keep in mind that there are varying levels of autonomous technology for trucks. While some trucks are considered full self-driving vehicles, others use combined-function automation or limited self-driving automation that restrict how much driving these trucks can do on their own.

There’s also function-specific automation that allows drivers to step in at any time to take control of the truck. At this time, drivers will continue to be a crucial part of the trucking industry, even with a rise in autonomous technology.

If you need new terminal tractors that offer high quality and improved safety and convenience, visit DJ Products. We offer equipment that can help you keep your employees as safe as possible on the job.

Trucking Contract Rate Trends for 2018 – Bigger Rate Increases in the Future

What’s in store for the transportation industry over the coming year? Get your semi truck tow dollies ready, because experts are predicting a “trucker’s market” in 2018.

Supply and Demand Continues to Tighten

Trucking analyst John Larkin of Stifel Nicolaus says that growing demand due to economy growth is being stretched by the shortage of drivers. While the lack of skilled blue-collar labor cuts across the entire economy, low pay scales are contributing to the specific difficulty in transportation.

According to Larkin, driver pay rates began to increase in the second half of 2017, but the base was so low that it will take several more raises to move the needle on the driver shortage. In addition, the Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) mandate was fully implemented as of December 17, which could further aggravate the situation.

Truckload Rates on the Rise

Another effect of the ELD mandate could be increases in truckload rates, which have already been rising. Larkin explains that it began with “an inflection” in spot rates during mid-2016, but the normal six-month lag time for contract rates ended up to be just over a year.

Less-than-truckload (LTL) rates have seen more modest increases recently, but that could change in the next 12 months. Between marketing automation, the growth of e-commerce, and overflow freight from truckload carriers, demand for LTL carriers is becoming greater.

Meet the Electric Yard Dog from DJ Products

With this anticipated scenario for 2018, the productivity of your trucking company needs to be on point. Visit our website and chat with our sales engineers to find out how semi truck tow dollies like our Electric Yard Dog are the solution to your efficiency and safety challenges.

Tips to Improve Efficiency in Your Terminal Distribution Center

The rise of e-commerce companies has lead to a boom for terminal distribution centers. A significant part of the manpower and overall operation of distribution centers involves picking orders, packaging, and shipping orders. Equipment like the battery-powered terminal tractors from DJ Products can help maximize manpower, reduce injuries, and save money.

The following are a few more tips that can help improve the efficiency of your terminal distribution center:

Utilize available technology

There have been some extraordinary advancements made in the area of industrial robots in recent years. Along with robots, there are now smart conveyor systems, and warehouse management systems (WMS) that not only keep things running smoothly but also make tracking incoming shipments and monitoring inventory easier than ever before.

Innovations like the TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractors from DJ Products reduce injuries to employees and damage to trailers and buildings.

Improve inventory management

By keeping inventory low you spend less effort managing products that are sitting on the shelf. There are WMS solutions to help monitor inventory in real time and lower costs due to damaged products.

Frequently evaluate your processes

People working on the floor are the first to notice problems and can identify areas that are not flowing as efficiently as possible. Be sure your warehouse personnel know their input is heard and appreciated. People work more efficiently when they are not fatigued or overexerting themselves. Incorporate equipment that allows one person to do the work of several both easier and safer.

Consult with experts

If you’re looking for ways to reduce workers comp claims, lower operational costs, and increase productivity, contact one of the knowledgeable and courteous sales engineers at DJ Products for a consultation about your businesses and which products are best for your needs.

Trucking Industry 2018: Tight Capacity and Strong Demand

What adjustments have your trucking firm made to prepare for 2018? Based on expert predictions for the transportation industry in the upcoming year, you’ll need sturdy semi trailer movers to help accommodate the demand.

Business Expansion = Higher Demand

According to Don Ake, trucking industry analyst for FTR Transportation Intelligence, confidence and business conditions are “at their highest level since the Great Recession.” Positive indicators are leading experts to anticipate extended business expansion, both at home and abroad.

This optimism is built on a number of factors:

– Tax reform is expected to create more a favorable regulatory environment for the trucking industry.

– There are signs that Congress and the Trump administration are ready to start considering an eagerly anticipated infrastructure funding proposal.

– Growth in real gross domestic product is expected to continue, climbing from 1.5 percent in 2016 to 2.8 percent in 2018.

Economy’s Impact on the Trucking Industry

A surge in business means a greater need for trucking services. Rachal Snider, vice president of Customer Supply Chain at consulting firm AFN, cites reports predicting an increase in demand of 3.6 percent over the coming year.

With the Great Recession prompting carriers to pare fleets and reduce expenses, the boost in demand will lead to tighter capacity. Other contributing causes include a shortage of drivers and implementation of the ELD (electronic logging devices) mandate, which can reduce capacity by as much as 8 percent.

Keep Trailers Moving with the Yard Dog from DJ Products

Get ready for a successful year with our battery-powered semi trailer movers that improve productivity while reducing risk of workplace injuries. Visit our website or call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.

Distribution Managers – Transportation Metrics That You Should Monitor for Success

Using electric yard trucks to move trailers is one way to immediately boost productivity and reduce costs. How do you uncover those less obvious but equally important areas for improvement? Transportation metrics help you implement and measure best practices to strike the right balance between service and cost.

Tips for Incorporating Transportation Metrics in Your Logistics Operation

– It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of available data. Choose the measurements that are most aligned with your goals and focus on three to five key performance indicators (KPI) per functional area.

– Don’t assume that you understand the various metrics. Make sure you know what each one measures, what variables affect them and how they are relevant to your specific business.

– Set goals that are aggressive enough to result in true growth, but realistic enough to be obtainable.

– Designate a person or department to take ownership of achieving a goal and be sure you’re all on the same page.

– The most sophisticated metrics mean nothing without corresponding action. Evaluate results and create plans to make any necessary improvements.

Commonly-Used Transportation Metrics

– Freight cost per unit shipped is particularly helpful when standard units of measure are being used.

– Percent of truckload capacity used reveals opportunities to maximize efficiency.

– Transit time is vital for quoting accurate lead times.

– Truck turnaround time is a good overall snapshot of your operations, including receiving and shipping processes.

– Freight bill accuracy can detect small errors that add up to big savings.

Optimize Efficiency with Yard Trucks from DJ Products

DJ Products is your preferred supplier of battery-powered yard trucks that save manpower, improve workplace safety and reduce costs. Visit our website and learn more about our popular Yard Dog from one of our cheerful sales engineers.

Truck Cams Assure Proper Accident Documentation and Reporting

Truck Cams May Soon Be On Your Dashboard

Our powered trailer dolly improves safety in warehouse and distribution center yards. Now you can reduce risk for your drivers when they’re on the road with video intelligence systems.

Capturing Real-Time Data on the Road

Did you know that three-quarters of accidents involving cars and semi-trucks are not the fault of the truck driver? Unfortunately, conventional wisdom tends to blame the truck, especially in the absence of solid evidence.

A Minnesota-based company called PeopleNet is hoping to change that. In 2016, PeopleNet launched their Video Intelligence system, which combines forward-, side- and rear-facing cameras to capture a near-360° view around a truck.

In addition to visual data, Video Intelligence captures real-time information, including truck speed and GPS location, for a comprehensive picture of any road incident. This “testimony” is free of any conscious or subconscious bias that can accompany versions related by the participants.

A Constantly Evolving System

Video Intelligence moves beyond the traditional concept of using driver-facing cameras that record an incomplete story. According to Jim Angel, PeopleNet’s Vice President of Video Intelligence Solutions, the company is continually using customer feedback to update and improve the system.

Here are some of the enhancements added just in the first year:

– Executive Summary Dashboards that provide a high-level overview

– A Snapshot feature that offers real-time views of cameras on a specific truck to back office personnel

– Expanded filtering options to identify driver trends

The Electric Yard Dog from DJ Products

Increase productivity and avoid the expense of outside shunting services with our powered trailer dolly. With the TrailerCaddy, a single employee can easily move trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds.

Visit our website and use the convenient on-line chat system for real-time assistance from our sales engineers.

DJ Products: Tips on Semi Truck Driver Retention

Tips on Semi Truck Driver Retention

Respect is its own currency. Truck drivers often jump ship for better pay elsewhere, but high turnover rates may have just as much to do with whether your drivers feel appreciated. One way to start? Respect their time by providing useful equipment like easy-to-use terminal tractors in the shunt yard and dashboard navigation systems for the cab.

Some great tips for truck driver retention from the blog The Road:

– Offer mentorships for closer relationships and career development

– Provide state-of-the-art equipment

– Be proactive about communication

– Listen and engage your drivers

– Offer exercise and nutrition programs

Trucking Can Be Lonely Work

It’s no surprise that drivers can easily feel isolated. Employers should take initiatives to prevent drivers from feeling forgotten. Even the most independent-minded driver needs an adequate amount of interaction with colleagues. Don’t assume drivers will come to you with concerns or complaints before they quit.

Keep Drivers Happy with Better Equipment

Imagine being a driver with an insulated cab, comfortable seats, and even a DVR to watch your favorite shows on breaks. You’re going to be a lot more loyal to your employer than if you were driving an old truck that constantly breaks down.

You can also use equipment to respect drivers’ time at their terminals. Speed things up at the warehouse, and they can make more money with less unnecessary downtime. That’s what our TrailerCaddy terminal tractors can do!

Electric terminal tractors can be operated without a CDL license, so many of your employees can move trailers wherever they need to be. The TrailerCaddy protects workers from injury and improves efficiency—for both you and your drivers.

Contact DJ Products to learn more about our highly affordable yard spotters that cut costs and boost employee morale and retention rates.

Fleet Managers Steer Staff Towards Improving Terminal Efficiency

Fleet Managers Improve Terminal Efficiency

Cutting corners in business can improve your profits, but it can also carry a risk of lower quality or even a dangerous workplace. That’s certainly the case at warehouses. How do you improve the semi trailer moving process for better terminal efficiency without putting your workers in a high-stress, injury-prone environment?

Supply chain experts say that driver safety and productivity are right up there with cost-reduction measures for the top challenges in fleet management. Fleet managers need real-time solutions to address situations on the ground.

At DJ Products, we can help improve both safety and efficiency. Our TrailerCaddy shunt yard truck is your low-cost, high-reward solution for semi trailer moving at warehouse terminals.

About the TrailerCaddy Electric Yard Dog

The TrailerCaddy is a compact, heavy-duty dolly that can tow semi trailers and tank trailers up to 100,000 pounds. Running on a 48-volt battery, it lasts the workday and recharges from a normal electrical outlet.

You don’t even need CDL operators, because the TrailerCaddy makes semi trailer moving easy enough for anybody. Just walk alongside and steer it at a comfortable pace, up to 3 mph.

Fleet managers can address the biggest items on their wishlist with the TrailerCaddy:

– Prevent warehouse injuries

– Reduce driver downtime

– Avoid damage to docks and trailers

– Save money (costs much less than a shunt truck)

Does your terminal get slowed down while waiting for a shunt truck? What if any worker could take care of semi trailer moving on the spot, with no waiting?

DJ Products offers a free demo program to help you decide if the TrailerCaddy, our car and truck pushers, or other equipment solutions are right for your team.

Improve terminal efficiency with a safe, user-friendly TrailerCaddy from DJ Products. Contact us today!

Top Tips for Keeping Your Long Haul Drivers Healthy on the Road

In addition to satisfying clients and operating legally, you need to make the health, well-being, and safety of your truckers and other employees your top priorities. Products like the DJ Products powered trailer dolly improve the efficiency of companies and safety of yard personnel. The following tips can help your truckers stay healthy on the road.

A wellness program

Company-sponsored wellness programs are proven to be an effective way of helping employees maintain a healthy overall lifestyle. Truckers are at high risk of obesity due to limited healthy food options on the road and having a job that requires sitting for extended periods of time. Programs can save companies money by improving productivity, reducing the risks of chronic diseases, and keeping employees happy and loyal.

Help them overcome bad habits and addictions

Employers should be mindful of all the risks long-haul drivers face. Many hard-working, knowledgeable, and experienced truckers have picked up bad habits like smoking over the years. Long hours of traveling alone make it easy to pick up and maintain bad habits. Offer truckers non-judgemental programs and help in overcoming bad habits and addictions so they live more fulfilled lives and are more productive drivers.

Help them get plenty of rest

Time and miles are money in the trucking industry. Too often, companies focus solely on getting the most productivity out of their drivers without thinking about the health and safety of the person. Drivers getting ample rest must be just as important as customers getting products on time. Convey that in all communications with drivers.

We can help you save time, maximize manpower, and prevent injuries with products like our powered trailer dolly and heavy truck pusher. Contact DJ Products today for more information and a free demo.

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